Easy strip access primary container and methods of manufacturing and utilization thereof

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a test strip container which provides easy access to test strips. The test strip container includes a lower housing, an upper housing, and a retaining member configured to releasably retain the test strips in a nested configuration. The nested configuration of the test strip container provides easy access to test strips by arranging the test strips so that they extend radially outward from the retaining member. The radial arrangement of the test strips operates to separate the test strips so that test strip users may easily select a single test strip from a plurality of test strips. Alternatively, the test strip container includes a lower housing, an upper housing, and a retaining member configured to releasably retain the test strips in a longitudinal configuration.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to test stripcontainers, and particularly to a primary container providing easyaccess to therein contained test strips and methods of manufacturing andutilization thereof.

BACKGROUND

The use of test strips in the determination of biological analyteconcentration is of widespread importance, particularly to personsafflicted with type one diabetes. In regulating their disease, suchdiabetic patients may be required to perform an average of five to tenblood glucose tests per day via a process of self-monitoring todetermine their blood glucose level. As a result, diabetic patientsexpend a significant amount of time throughout their daily lives testingtheir blood glucose levels.

As the number of patients suffering from diabetes increases, thepractice of self-monitoring blood glucose levels has become routine. Theprocess of self-monitoring typically involves diabetic patientsobtaining a test strip, applying a sample of blood thereto, andobtaining results. Because the first step in the testing process isobtaining a test strip, the ability of diabetic person to easily obtaina test strip is of paramount importance.

Many difficulties associated with attaining a single test strip havebeen addressed at length in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No.7,172,728 mentions that the difficulties surrounding test stripretrieval stem from both the design of test strip storage containers andthe physical capabilities of diabetic individuals. The configuration ofmany test strip containers is problematic in that they are commonlydesigned to store a plurality of test strips while protecting the teststrips from contaminants. As a result, test strip containers commonlytake the form of conventional vials.

In a conventional vial, test strips recess below the vial opening andmust be manually removed. This configuration intuitively leads teststrip users to dump the vial or turn the vial upside down to retrieve asingle test strip. This process causes the test strips to spill onto thework surface or floor, and may result not only in contamination of thetest strips but also in an extension of the period of time required fortesting through the pick-up process. An alternative option to dumpingthe vial to attain a single test strip would be for test strip users toinsert a finger into the vial to grasp a strip. This option is alsoimperfect in that this contact may result in either damage orcontamination to the test strips remaining in the vial, leading toinaccurate blood glucose level results.

Another hindrance common to diabetic patients is limited physicaldexterity. Persons with diabetes typically suffer from diminishedhand-eye coordination, diminished finger sensation, or a combination ofthe two. As a result, the ability of persons afflicted with diabetes topick up a single test strip from a plurality of test strips is limited.This problem is further enhanced by the fact that test strips arecommonly only several millimeters in width and in length.

Some test strip containers have been designed to ease test strip usersin the process of selecting a single test strip from amongst a pluralityof test strips, see for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,378,630, U.S. Pub. Nos.2007/0264166 A1, 2007/0196240 A1, and 2003/0185708 A1. However thesecontainers also carry with them a variety of disadvantages. Generally,the designs of the containers are more complex and not user friendly,diminishing the ease with which diabetic patients may operate the teststrip containers.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a test strip containerwhich provides easy access to test strips. The test strip containerincludes a lower housing, an upper housing, and a retaining memberconfigured to releasably retain the test strips in a nestedconfiguration. The nested configuration of the test strip containerprovides easy access to test strips by arranging the test strips so thatthey extend radially outward from the retaining member. The radialarrangement of the test strips operates to separate the test strips sothat test strip users may easily select a single test strip from aplurality of test strips. Alternatively, the test strip containerincludes a lower housing, an upper housing, and a retaining memberconfigured to releasably retain the test strips in a longitudinalconfiguration.

In one embodiment, a test strip container for providing ease of accessto test strips provided therein is disclosed. The test strip containercomprises a lower housing, an upper housing, and a retaining member. Theretaining member is connected to the lower housing and is configured toreleasably retain the test strips in a nested configuration wherein eachof the test strips extends radially outward from the retaining member.Alternatively, the retaining member is configured to releasably retainthe test strips in a longitudinal configuration wherein each of the teststrips extends substantially normal to the retaining member. The teststrip container has an open configuration and a closed configuration,wherein the uppermost test strips in the nested configuration areaccessible in the open configuration, and wherein the test strips areconcealed in the closed configuration.

In another embodiment, a test strip container for providing ease ofaccess to test strips comprising a lower housing, an upper housing, anda retaining member is disclosed. The retaining member is configured toreleasably retain the test strips in a nested configuration such thatthe test strips extend radially outward from the retaining member. Theretaining member comprises a radial paddle structure having a pluralityof members which extend radially outward from the center axle, andwherein the spaces between the plurality of members form a plurality ofcompartments such that the test strips may be placed within theplurality of compartments. The retaining member is connected to thelower housing and comprises a center axle substantially normal to thelower housing, wherein rotation of the center axle may result inrotation of the test strips. Additionally, the test strip containercomprises an open configuration and a closed configuration wherein theupper test strips of the test strips are accessible in the openconfiguration and the test strips are concealed in the closedconfiguration.

In still another embodiment, a test strip container for providing easeof access to test strips comprising a lower housing, an upper housing,and a retaining member is disclosed. The retaining member is configuredto releasably retain the test strips in a nested configuration such thatthe test strips extend radially outward from the retaining member. Theretaining member comprises a test strip carrier structure comprising adisc and a center axle. The retaining member is connected to the lowerhousing and comprises a center axle substantially normal to the lowerhousing, wherein rotation of the center axle may result in rotation ofthe test strips. Additionally, the test strip container comprises anopen configuration and a closed configuration wherein the upper teststrips of the test strips are accessible in the open configuration andthe test strips are concealed in the closed configuration.

In yet another embodiment, a method of manufacturing a test stripcontainer for providing ease of access to test strips is disclosed. Themethod comprises providing a lower housing having surfaces which definea cavity for containing the test strips, providing an upper housinghaving surfaces which abut with the surfaces of the lower housing forenclosing the cavity, and providing a retaining member connected to thelower housing within the cavity and configured to releasably retain thetest strips in a nested configuration wherein such of the test stripsextends radially outward from the retaining member.

In still yet another embodiment, a method of providing easy access totest strips which comprises utilizing a test strip container accordingto the present invention is also disclosed.

These and other features and advantageous of these and other variousembodiments according to the present invention will become more apparentin view of the drawings, detailed description, and claims provided thatfollow hereafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description of the embodiments of the presentinvention can be best understood when read in conjunction with thefollowing drawings, where like structure is indicated with likereference numerals, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of a container according to anembodiment of the present invention shown with upper and lower housingsin an open configuration thereby providing easy access to test stripsreleasably held therein in a nested configuration according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 1A is an upper perspective view of a container according to anembodiment of the present invention shown with upper and lower housingsin an open configuration thereby providing easy access to test stripsreleasably held therein in a nested configuration according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 1B is an upper perspective view of a container according to anembodiment of the present invention shown with upper and lower housingin an open configuration thereby providing easy access to test stripsreleasably held therein in a longitudinal configuration according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 shownwith the upper and lower housings in a closed configuration therebyconcealing securely the test strips therein;

FIG. 2A is an upper perspective view of the container according of FIG.1B shown with the upper and lower housings in a closed configurationthereby concealing securely the test strips therein;

FIG. 3 is a section view taken along section line 3-3 depicted in FIG. 2according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3A is a section view taken along section line 3-3 depicted in FIG.2 according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3B is a section view taken along section line 3-3 depicted in FIG.2 according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an upper side perspective view of a container according toanother embodiment of the present invention shown with upper and lowerhousings in an open configuration thereby providing easy access to teststrips provided in an upright file manner and releasably attached at anend about a rotatable central axle according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an upper side perspective view of the container of FIG. 5shown with the upper and lower housings in a closed configurationthereby concealing securely the test strips therein;

FIG. 6 is a section view taken along section line 6-6 depicted in FIG.5;

FIG. 6A is a section view taken along section line 6A-6A depicted inFIG. 5 shown with the test strips held within the retaining member viaan adhesive film;

FIG. 6B is a section view taken along section line 6B-6B depicted inFIG. 5 shown with a unidirectional advancement mechanism;

FIG. 7 is a front view of a radial paddle structure over molded with TPEaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an upper side perspective view of a container according tostill another embodiment of the present invention shown with upper andlower housings in an open configuration thereby providing easy access totest strips provided in an upright fan manner and releasably attached atan end about a rotatable central axle [[axel]] according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 9 is an upper side perspective view of the container of FIG. 7shown with the upper and lower housings in a closed configurationthereby concealing securely the test strips therein;

FIG. 10 is a section view taken along section line 10-10 depicted inFIG. 9;

FIG. 10A is a section view taken along section line 10A-10A depicted inFIG. 10 shown with a retaining clip;

FIG. 11 is a front view of the test strips attached to an adhesive discin a nested configuration according to an embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the container according to an embodimentof the present invention shown with upper and lower housings in an openconfiguration thereby providing easy access to test strips provided inan upright fan manner wherein a multiplicity of test strip carrierstructures may be stacked within the cavity in the lower housing.

Skilled artisans appreciate that elements in the figures are illustratedfor simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale.For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures maybe exaggerated relative to other elements, as well as conventional partsremoved, to help to improve understanding of the various embodiments ofthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention comprise a test strip containerwhich provides easy access to a plurality of test strips held releasablytherein. Each of the test strip container embodiments releasably retainthe test strips generally enabling test strip users to easily select asingle test strip from a plurality of test strips.

FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of a test strip container accordingto an embodiment of the present invention. As depicted in FIG. 1, thetest strip container 10 comprises an upper housing 20, a lower housing30, and a retaining member 50. The upper and lower housings 20, 30 areshown in an open configuration thereby providing easy access to teststrips 34 shown provided therein. The retaining member 50 is configuredto releasably retain the test strips 34 such that the test strips 34 maybe released from the container 10 when a test strip user appliespressure to the test strips 34. In FIG. 1, the test strips 34 arereleasably retained by the retaining member 50 in a nested configurationsuch that a plurality of test strips extend radially outward from theretaining member 50. As used herein, the term “nested configuration”refers to a configuration of the test strips wherein one portion of thetest strips adhered to or accommodated by the retaining member overlapsuch that the test strips may extend outward from the retaining member.

For example, the nested configuration as depicted in FIG. 1, comprisesan arrangement of test strips 34 wherein a portion of each test strip 34may overlap with a portion of an adjacent test strip 34. In oneembodiment the overlapping portions of adjacent test strips 34 may bereleasably retained by the retaining member 50 via a biasing forceapplied by the retaining member 50 which releasably clamps, squeezes orholds the overlapping portions together. In another embodiment theoverlapping portions of the test strips 34 may be releasably attached toa surface of the retaining member 50 by an adhesive.

In the illustrated embodiments depicted by FIGS. 1 and 1A, the nestedconfiguration allows the test strips 34 to extend radially outward fromthe retaining member 50 such that they are not retained in a parallelconfiguration. Additionally, in these embodiments the nestedconfiguration operates to separate the radially extending portions ofthe test strips 34 so that they may be easily accessed by test stripusers. In a further embodiment of the nested configuration, the teststrips 34 are releasably retained by the retaining member 50 in a nestedconfiguration wherein the planar side of the test strips 34 restssubstantially parallel to the lower housing 30. In one embodiment, theretaining member 50 connects to the lower housing 30 within the cavity33 such that the test strips 34 are retained within the lower housing30.

As depicted in FIGS. 1, 1A and 1B, the lower housing 30 has surfaces 25which define a cavity 33 for containing test strips 34. In oneembodiment, the upper housing 20 has surfaces 27 which may abut with thesurfaces 25 of the lower housing 30 for enclosing the cavity 33. Inanother embodiment, the surfaces 25, 27 may mate to provide a releasableseal to form a protective environment for the test strips 34 provided inthe container 10.

The test strip container 10 comprises both an open configuration, asshown in FIGS. 1, 1A, and 1B, and a closed configuration, as shown inFIGS. 2 and 2A. The open configuration comprises the upper housing 20being separated from the lower housing 30 wherein the uppermost teststrips 34 are exposed. The exposed test strips 34 are accessible in thecavity 33 of the lower housing 30 to test strip users.

In one embodiment of the open configuration, the upper housing 20 may behingedly attached to the lower housing 30 with a hinging mechanism 76.The hinging mechanism 76 in one embodiment may comprise a molded livinghinge, such as depicted by FIGS. 1 and 1A. In this way, the upperhousing 20 will not be wholly separated from the lower housing 30 in theopen configuration. Rather, the upper housing 20 may pivot about thehinging mechanism 76 such that the uppermost test strips 34 are exposedwithin the cavity 33 of the lower housing 30. In another embodiment, thehinging mechanism 76 may comprise a pin 57 in a hole 58 arrangement,such as depicted by FIG. 12.

The closed configuration, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 2A, comprises thesurfaces 25, 27 of the housings 20, 30 abutting to conceal the teststrips 34 within the test strip container 10. In the closedconfiguration, test strips users may not access the test strips 34within the test strip container 10. In this way, the closedconfiguration may be exploited to protect the test strips 34 within thetest strip container 10 from moisture and other contaminants when thetest strips 34 are not required for testing.

In one embodiment of the closed configuration, the test strip container10 may optionally comprise a fastening mechanism 19 such that the teststrip container 10 may be releasably fixed in the closed configuration.The fastening mechanism 19 in the embodiment illustrated by FIG. 1A is alatching mechanism comprising upper and lower releasably mating parts 29a, 29 b, either mechanically or magnetically based, but in otherembodiments, may include but is not limited thereto, a clampingmechanism or a snap-fit mechanism.

In one specific embodiment of the test strip container 10 as depicted inFIGS. 1, 1A, and 1B, the test strip container 10 may comprise aclamshell configuration. In the clamshell configuration, the upperhousing 20 has surfaces including a side wall 21 and a top wall 22. Thelower housing 30 also has surfaces including a side wall 35, an innersurface 31, and a bottom wall 32.

In one specific embodiment of the clamshell configuration, as depictedin FIG. 1B, the side wall 21 of the upper housing 20 and the side wall35 of the lower housing 30 are substantially oblong and the top wall 22of the upper housing 20 and the bottom wall 32 of the lower housing 30are substantially flat. Thus, when in the closed configuration, asdepicted in FIG. 2A, the test strip container 10 is substantially oblongwith a substantially flat top wall 22 and bottom wall 32. In thisparticular embodiment, the retaining member 50 is substantiallyrectangular. The retaining member 50 retains releasably retains the teststrips in a longitudinal configuration such that they extendsubstantially normal to the retaining member 50.

In an alternative embodiment of the clamshell configuration, as depictedin FIG. 1, the side wall 21 of the upper housing 20 and the side wall 35of the lower housing 30 are substantially circular and the top wall 22of the upper housing 20 and the bottom wall 32 of the lower housing 30are substantially flat. In this particular embodiment, the retainingmember 50 is substantially conical. Thus, when in the closedconfiguration, as depicted in FIG. 2, the test strip container 10 issubstantially circular with a substantially flat top wall 22 and bottomwall 32.

In this particular embodiment of the clamshell configuration, the upperhousing 20 may have a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of thelower housing 30 such that the side wall 21 of the upper housing 20 mayoverlap the side wall 35 of the lower housing 30 when in the closedconfiguration, creating an interference fit. In this way, test stripusers must apply slight pressure to attain the open configuration. In analternative embodiment, test strip users must apply a twisting force tothe upper housing 20 such that it twists away from the lower housing 30to attain the open configuration. In a further embodiment, the upper andlower housings 20, 30 may form together a moisture seal to protect thetest strips from moisture and airborne debris.

As shown in FIG. 3, the clamshell configuration also comprises the lowerhousing 30 having a concave interior. In this particular embodiment, theinner surface 31 of the lower housing 30 extends from the center of thebottom wall 32 of the lower housing 30 to the top of the side wall 35 ofthe lower housing 30. In this way, the inner surface 31 of the lowerhousing 30 will form an acute angle with the bottom wall 32 of the lowerhousing 30 such that the cavity 33 defined by the inner surface 31 ofthe lower housing 30 is concave.

The test strips 34 contained within the lower housing 30 will rest at anangle substantially congruent to or slightly greater than the concaveinterior of the lower housing 30. The angular arrangement of the teststrips 34 provides test strip users with easy access to the test strips34, as the test strips 34 may be slightly elevated from the concaveinterior of the test strip container 10.

In a further embodiment of the clamshell configuration as depicted inFIG. 3, the retaining member 50 which releasably retains the test strips34 is substantially conical. The conical retaining member 50 forms anangle with the bottom wall 32 of the lower housing 30 that issubstantially congruent to the concave interior of the inner surface 31of the lower housing 30. As a result, the retaining member 50 fitscomplementarily within the concave interior of the lower housing 30. Theretaining member 50 releasably retains test strips 34 in a nestedconfiguration wherein the application of light pressure by the teststrip user to the test strips 34 causes the retaining member 50 torelease the test strips 34. The retaining member 50 may be attached tothe lower housing 30 or may be accommodated by the lower housing 30.

In one specific embodiment of the clamshell configuration, the retainingmember 50 is a static retainer. As depicted in FIG. 3A, in thisparticular embodiment, the retaining member 50 is attached to a lockingpeg 70. In this specific embodiment, the test strips 34 are attached toan adhesive disc 71 in a nested configuration, as depicted in FIG. 11.The test strips 34 are attached to the adhesive disc 71 such that oneend of the test strips 34 are adhered to the adhesive disc 71. Theretaining member 50 serves to anchor the adhesive disc 71 within thelower housing 30. The locking peg 70 is arranged substantially withinthe center of the bottom wall 32 of the lower housing 30. In thisembodiment, the retaining member 50 snaps onto the locking peg 70. In analternative embodiment, the locking peg 70 may be integral with thebottom wall 32 of the lower housing 30 as a molded portion thereof orovermolded thereby.

In an alternative embodiment of the clamshell configuration, the lowerhousing 30 has a plurality of ridges 72, as depicted in FIG. 1A. Theplurality of ridges 72 are arranged in a nested configuration or alongitudinal configuration such that the test strips 34 may be loadeddirectly into the lower housing 30 between the plurality of ridges 72.The plurality of ridges 72 are arranged such that the gap distancebetween each ridge is approximately equal to the width of the teststrips 34. In accordance with this specific embodiment, as depicted inFIG. 3A, the retaining member 50 is a static retainer that issubstantially conical. In an alternative embodiment, the retainingmember 50 is substantially rectangular. In one embodiment, the retainingmember 50 may be over molded. In a further embodiment, a multiplicity oftest strips 34 may be loaded directly into the lower housing 30 betweenthe plurality of ridges 72 wherein a multiplicity of test strips 34 areplaced on top of one another.

In an alternative embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 3B, the retainingmember 50 fits complementarily within a compliant washer 73. Thecompliant washer 73 comprises a compressible material. The compressiblematerial may include but should not be limited to foam, rubber, andother elastomers. The compliant washer 73 snaps onto a locking peg 70arranged within the lower housing 30 such that it is arrangedsubstantially within the center of the bottom wall 32. The compliantwasher 73 serves to compress the test strips 34 against the bottom wall32 of the lower housing 30, providing sufficient friction to anchor thetest strips 34 within the lower housing 30. In this specific embodiment,the lower housing 30 possesses a detent 74 which extends around thecircumference of the lower housing 30. The detent 74, as depicted inFIG. 1A, allows for easy access to the test strips 34.

In an alternative embodiment of the clamshell configuration, theretaining member 50 is a dynamic retainer that is substantially conical.In another embodiment, the retaining member 50 is substantiallyrectangular. As depicted in FIG. 3, the retaining member 50 isspring-biased towards the inner surface 31 of the lower housing 30 inthis particular embodiment. In this particular embodiment, a spring 63has one end attached to the retaining member 50 and an opposing endattached to a compliant washer 73. The compliant washer 73 snaps onto alocking peg 70 arranged within the lower housing 30 such that it isarranged substantially within the center of the bottom wall 32.

In this particular embodiment, a multiplicity of test strips 34 may bestacked on top of one another. Removal of the test strips 34 on the topof the multiplicity of test strips 34 results in the spring 63 pullingunder retraction. When the spring 63 pulls under retraction, theretaining member 50 translates downwardly toward the compliant washer 73and the locking peg 70. The translation of the retaining member 50results in the test strips 34 previously residing underneath the teststrips 34 that were on the top layer of the stack to pivot verticallyaway from the concave surface of the cavity 33 due to the cone shape ofthe retaining member 50 moving downwardly centrally about the retainedends of the remaining test strips 34. Such a configuration thus allowstest strip users to acquire a test strip easily from the multiplicity oflayers of test strips contained within the test strip container 10 viathe rising feature of each test strip.

In one specific embodiment of the clamshell configuration, the teststrip container 10 may comprise a configuration wherein the test strips34 are releasably stacked on top of one another. In this way, the teststrips 34 releasably retained by the retaining member 50 in a nestedconfiguration and extending radially outward from the retaining member50 are arranged such that a multiplicity of test strips 34 are placed ontop of one another.

In this way, a multiplicity of layers of test strips 34 may be containedwithin one test strip container 10. Where the test strips 34 arestacked, test strip users may obtain a test strip 34 from themultiplicity of test strips which are releasably retained on the toplayer of the stack. In a further embodiment of the stackedconfiguration, the retaining member 50 may be spring-biased aspreviously discussed above and as shown in FIG. 3.

In an alternative embodiment of the test strip container 10, the teststrip container 10 may comprise a rolodex-type configuration, as shownin FIG. 4. In the rolodex-type configuration, the lower housing 30 ofthe test strip container 10 has an outer surface 36 and an inner surface37 which define a cavity 33 for containing the test strips 34. The lowerhousing 30 of the rolodex-type configuration comprises an aperture 41defined by the lower housing 30 through which the plurality of teststrips 34 may extend. The upper housing 20 has an outer surface 23 andan inner surface 24 such that the outer surface 23 and the inner surface24 of the upper housing 20 abut with the outer surface 36 and the innersurface 37 of the lower housing 30 enclosing the cavity 33.

As shown in FIG. 4, the upper and lower housings 20, 30 may comprise anopen configuration thereby providing easy access to the test strips 34provided in an upright file manner and releasably attached at an endabout a rotatable center axial member.

In one particular embodiment of the rolodex-type configuration, thelower housing 30 is substantially circular with an angled aperture 41defined by the lower housing 30, and the upper housing 20 issubstantially semi-circular, such that the upper housing 20 coordinateswith the angled aperture 41 defined by the lower housing 30 to form asubstantially circular test strip container 10 in the closedconfiguration shown in FIG. 5.

The retaining member 50 of the rolodex-type configuration is housedwithin the lower housing 30. The retaining member 50 is configured toreleasably retain the test strips 34 in a nested configuration. Theretaining member 50 is a radial paddle structure 55 having a pluralityof paddle members 51, as depicted in FIG. 6. The retaining member 50comprises a center axle 52 which is substantially normal to the lowerhousing 30 and which extends through the retaining member 50 in thelower housing 30. The retaining member 50 is connected to the lowerhousing 30 within the cavity 33 and is configured to releasably retainthe test strips 34.

The plurality of paddle members 51 of the radial paddle structure 55extend radially outward from the center axle 52. The radial paddlestructure 55 is connected to the lower housing 30 within the cavity 33and is configured to releasably retain the test strips 34 in a nestedconfiguration wherein such of the test strips 34 extends radiallyoutward from the retaining member 50. The radial paddle structure 55snaps onto the center axle 52 in the lower housing 30. The plurality ofpaddle members 51 of the radial paddle structure 55 extend radiallyoutward. The spaces in between the plurality of members 51 form aplurality of compartments 53 such that the test strips 34 may be placedwithin the plurality of compartments 53. The plurality of paddle members51 of the radial paddle structure 55 extend slightly above the angledaperture 41 defined by the lower housing 30 such that the length of theplurality of paddle members 51 is less than the length of the teststrips 34 along their longitudinal axis. In this way, a test strip usermay grasp one of the plurality of paddle members 51 through the angledaperture 41 defined by the lower housing 30 and manually rotate theradial paddle structure 55 to the next of the plurality of compartments53.

The nested configuration, as depicted in FIG. 6, comprises anarrangement of test strips 34 wherein a portion of each test strip 34may overlap with a portion of another test strip 34. The overlappingportions are accommodated by the radial paddle structure 55 in therolodex-type configuration. The nested configuration allows the teststrips 34 to extend radially outward from the retaining member 50 suchthat they are not retained in a parallel configuration. In one specificembodiment of the rolodex-type configuration, as depicted in FIG. 6, aleaf spring 56 is added to each of the plurality of compartments 53 suchthat the test strips 34 may be retained within the radial paddlestructure 55. In a further embodiment of the nested configuration, thetest strips 34 are releasably retained by the radial paddle structure 55in a nested configuration wherein the planar side of the test strips 34rests substantially parallel to the plurality of members 51.

In one embodiment of the rolodex configuration, the test strips 34 areretained within the radial paddle structure 55 with a retention featuresuch as a foam or an adhesive film. An adhesive retainer 64 is depictedin FIG. 6A. Alternatively, the test strips 34 are accommodated by theradial paddle structure 55 by placing the test strips loosely within theplurality of compartments 53.

Rotation of the center axle 52 by the test strip user may result inrotation of the retaining member 50 such that the test strips 34releasably retained by the radial paddle structure 55 may be rotated andaccessed through the aperture 41 defined by the lower housing 30. In afurther embodiment of the rolodex-type configuration, access to teststrips 34 through the aperture 41 defined by the lower housing 30 mayoptionally be improved by angling the aperture 41 defined by the lowerhousing 30 such that test strips 34 may extend through a larger area. Anoptional feature of the rolodex-type configuration is a unidirectionaladvancement mechanism 60 wherein rotation of the center axle 52 isrestricted to one direction.

In one specific embodiment of the rolodex-type configuration, theplurality of compartments 53 in the radial paddle structure 55 may besealed by adding a sealing material to the inner surface 37 of the lowerhousing 30 which the plurality of members 51 contact. Additionally, analternative embodiment comprises sealing the plurality of compartments53 by over molding. Sealing the plurality of compartments 53 by overmolding may comprise the use of but should not be limited tothermoplastic elastomers (i.e. TPE), rubber, or flexible polymers.

In one particular embodiment, the plurality of compartments 53 aresealed by over molding with TPE 75, as depicted in FIG. 7. The over-moldis applied on the contact edge of the radial paddle structure 55 whereincontacting the inner surface 37 of the lower housing 30 and permittingrotation of the radial paddle structure 55. The over-mold applied on thecontact edge of the radial paddle structure 55 may comprise a lip seal,i.e. a wiper blade type seal. The over-mold serves as a gasket betweenthe radial paddle structure 55 and the inner surface 37 of the lowerhousing 30 such that the plurality of compartments 53 are secured fromany contaminants that may be encountered while the test strip container10 is in the open configuration. More particularly, any contaminantsencountered while the test strip container 10 is in the openconfiguration will be confined to the plurality of compartments 53exposed in the open configuration.

Another optional feature of the rolodex-type configuration is aunidirectional advancement mechanism 60 which would operate to restrictrotation of the center axle 52 to one direction. In one specificembodiment, the unidirectional advancement mechanism is a pawl 61 andratchet 62 as shown in FIG. 6B. In this particular embodiment, theratchet 62 is affixed to the radial paddle structure 55 such that itrotates with the radial paddle structure 55. In this way, the pawl 61may engage the ratchet 62, therein restricting the rotation of theradial paddle structure 55 to one direction.

In an alternative embodiment of the test strip container 10, the teststrip container 10 may comprise a pinwheel configuration as depicted inFIG. 8. In the pinwheel configuration, the lower housing 30 of the teststrip container 10 has an outer surface 36 and an inner surface 37 whichdefine a cavity 33 for containing the test strips 34. The lower housing30 of the pinwheel configuration comprises an aperture 41 defined by thelower housing 30 through which the plurality of test strips 34 mayextend. The upper housing 20 has an outer surface 23 and an innersurface 24 such that the outer surface 23 and the inner surface 24 ofthe upper housing 20 abut with the outer surface 36 and the innersurface 37 of the lower housing 30 for enclosing the cavity 33.

As shown in FIG. 8, the upper and lower housings 20, 30 may comprise anopen configuration thereby providing easy access to the test strips 34provided in an upright fan manner and releasably attached at an endabout a rotatable center axle 52.

In one particular embodiment of the pinwheel configuration, the lowerhousing 30 is substantially circular with an angled aperture 41 definedby the lower housing 30, as depicted in FIG. 8. The upper housing 20 issubstantially semi-circular, such that the upper housing 20 coordinateswith the angled aperture 41 defined by the lower housing 30 to form asubstantially circular test strip container 10 in the closedconfiguration as shown in FIG. 9.

As shown by FIG. 10, the retaining member 50 of the pinwheelconfiguration is housed within the lower housing 30. The retainingmember 50 is configured to releasably retain the test strips 34 in anested configuration. The retaining member 50 is a test strip carrierstructure comprising a center axle 52 and a disc 54. The center axle 52is substantially normal to the lower housing 30 and extends through theretaining member 50 in the lower housing 30. The retaining member 50 isconnected to the lower housing 30 within the cavity 33 and is configuredto releasably retain the test strips 34.

The disc 54 of the pinwheel configuration is substantially planar havinga diameter smaller than the length of the test strips 34, see FIG. 10.The disc 54 is arranged within the cavity 33 of the lower housing 30such that the planar side of the disc 54 is substantially parallel tothe inner surface 37 of the lower housing 30 wherein the test strips 34may be adhered.

In an alternative embodiment of the pinwheel configuration, the teststrips may be adhered to the disc 54 with a retaining clip 59 which isspring-biased, as shown in FIG. 10A. In a further embodiment, a spring63 is connected to the retaining clip 59 such that the retaining clip 59retains the test strips 34. In one particular embodiment, the spring 63pulls the retaining clip 59 under retraction such that the retainingclip 59 translates toward the spring 63 in a direction parallel to thecenter axle 52. In an alternative embodiment, the spring 63 pushes theretaining clip 59 under expansion such that the retaining clip 59translates toward the spring 63 in a direction parallel to the centeraxle 52.

In still another embodiment, the test strips may be adhered to the disc54 with a light adhesive or with clips. In one specific embodiment, asdepicted in FIG. 11, the disc 54 may be an adhesive disc 71, wherein thetest strips 34 are adhered. In a further embodiment of the pinwheelconfiguration, the test strips 34 are adhered to the disc 54 in a nestedconfiguration wherein the planar side of the test strips 34 restssubstantially parallel to the planar side of the disc 54. In oneparticular embodiment of the pinwheel configuration, a multiplicity oftest strip carrier structures may be stacked within the cavity 33 in thelower housing 30. In this stacked configuration, for example as depictedby FIG. 12, a plurality of discs 54 may be arranged within the lowerhousing 30 such that the center axle 52 extends through the plurality ofdiscs 54. Rotation of the center axle 52 by the test strip user mayresult in rotation of the disc 54 such that the test strips 34 adheredto the disc 54 may also be rotated and accessed through the aperture 41defined by the lower housing 30. In a further embodiment of the pinwheelconfiguration, access to test strips 34 through the aperture 41 mayoptionally be improved by angling the aperture 41 such that test strips34 may extend through a larger area.

In yet another embodiment, a method of manufacturing a test stripcontainer 10 for providing ease of access to test strips 34 isdisclosed. The method comprises providing a lower housing 30 havingsurfaces which define a cavity 33 for containing the test strips 34,providing an upper housing 20 having surfaces which abut with thesurfaces of the lower housing 30 for enclosing the cavity 33, andproviding a retaining member 50 connected to the lower housing 30 withinthe cavity 33 and configured to releasably retain the test strips 34 ina nested configuration wherein such of the test strips 34 extendsradially outward from the retaining member 50.

In still yet another embodiment, a method of providing easy access totest strips 34 which comprises utilizing a test strip container 10according to the present invention is also disclosed.

The above description and drawings are only to be consideredillustrative of exemplary embodiments, which achieve the features andadvantages of the present invention. Modification and substitutions thefeatures and steps described can be made without departing from theintent and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the invention isnot to be considered as being limited by the foregoing description anddrawings, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.

1. A test strip container for providing ease of access to test stripscomprising: a lower housing having surfaces which define a cavity forcontaining the test strips; an upper housing having surfaces which abutwith the surfaces of the lower housing for enclosing the cavity; and aretaining member connected to the lower housing within the cavity andconfigured to releasably retain the test strips wherein each of the teststrips extends outwardly from the retaining member, wherein the teststrips are radially overlapping and in contact with adjacent onesthereof, and wherein the test strip container has an open configurationand a closed configuration, in which: the open configuration comprisesthe upper housing being separated from the lower housing wherein thetest strips are accessible in the cavity of the lower housing, and theclosed configuration comprises the surfaces of the upper housing and thelower housing abutting to conceal the test strips within the test stripcontainer.
 2. The test strip container of claim 1, wherein the upperhousing and the lower housing are substantially circular.
 3. The teststrip container of claim 2, wherein the test strips are retained in anested configuration wherein each of the test strips extends radiallyoutward from the retaining member.
 4. The test strip container of claim3, wherein the cavity of the lower housing is a concave interior.
 5. Thetest strip container of claim 4, wherein the test strips rest at anangle substantially congruent to the concave interior of the lowerhousing.
 6. The test strip container of claim 5, wherein the retainingmember is substantially conical having an angle substantially congruentto the concave interior of the lower housing.
 7. The test stripcontainer of claim 6, wherein the test strips are arranged such that amultiplicity of test strips are placed on top of one another.
 8. Thetest strip container of claim 1, wherein the upper housing and the lowerhousing are substantially oblong.
 9. The test strip container of claim8, wherein the retaining member is substantially rectangular.
 10. Thetest strip container of claim 9, wherein the test strips are retained ina longitudinal configuration such that they extend substantially normalto the retaining member.
 11. A method of manufacturing a test stripcontainer for providing easy access to test strips, comprising:providing a lower housing having surfaces which define a cavity forcontaining the test strips; providing an upper housing having surfaceswhich abut with the surfaces of the lower housing for enclosing thecavity; and providing a retaining member connected to the lower housingwithin the cavity and configured to releasably retain the test strips ina nested configuration wherein such of the test strips extends radiallyoutward from the retaining member and wherein the test strips areradially overlapping and in contact with adjacent ones thereof.
 12. Amethod of providing easy access to test strips which comprises utilizingthe test strip container of claim 1.